IOL Signs Collaboration Agreement with Safran to Manufacture Advanced Defence Systems in India
Safran Electronics & Defense will contribute its globally recognised expertise in high-end inertial navigation and fire-control technologies
In a significant boost to the Government of India’s Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has signed a collaboration agreement with Safran Electronics & Defense for the transfer of production of two high-precision, combat-proven defence systems.
The agreement paves the way for indigenous manufacturing of advanced systems critical to the Indian Army’s operational capabilities.
The two systems covered under the collaboration are:
- SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System, widely used in artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars; and
- CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight, designed for artillery guns and anti-drone systems.
The agreement was formally signed by Tushar Tripathi, Chairman & Managing Director, India Optel Limited, and Mr Alexandre Ziegler, Head – Defence Global Business Unit, Safran Electronics & Defense, in the august presence of Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), Government of India, in New Delhi.
This collaboration builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IOL and Safran in January 2024, reaffirming the shared commitment of both organisations to localise production of advanced defence technologies in India.
Under the partnership framework, India Optel Limited will undertake manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality assurance and complete life-cycle support of the systems, ensuring they meet the stringent operational requirements of the Indian Army. Safran Electronics & Defense will contribute its globally recognised expertise in high-end inertial navigation and fire-control technologies.
The collaboration is expected to significantly strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, reduce import dependence, and enhance the operational readiness, accuracy and performance of the country’s land-based weapon systems.
By combining IOL’s robust industrial and manufacturing capabilities in India with Safran’s proven technological excellence, the partnership marks a key step forward in India’s journey towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
